Best Pillow For Side Sleepers

The National Sleep Foundation has dissected your favorite way to sleep, and quite a bit of it may affect your health. If you’re looking for the best pillow for side sleepers, with a straight torso and legs, this may be most helpful to decrease acid reflux. It also diminishes neck and back pain. Bed buddies who snore may find themselves disturbing people less because of open airways. This sleeping position may also assist when it comes to fighting off sleep apnea.

While approximately only 15 percent of people are side sleepers, a quality side sleeper pillow keeps the one downside of side sleeping in mind: increased likelihood of wrinkles. It’s kind of hard to keep your face in tip-top condition when half of it is smashed into a pillow. However, investing in the best firm pillow for side sleepers and doing jaw exercises may help. Regardless of what pillow you use, just make sure that you are getting a healthy amount of sleep each night.

Best Pillow For Side Sleepers

1. Anti Snoring Pillow

This anti-snoring pillow is not only a massager but also ergonomically helpful for neck and shoulder pain while sleeping. Ergonomic support for these kinds of pillows focuses on making the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers to fully relax.

Key Features

• Available in white and black
• 18.3 x 25.4 inches
• Relax memory foam

The patent pending technology on this side sleeper pillow is designed to support your neck, head, shoulders and arms while you sleep to avoid numbness and poor alignment. Skin friendly and washable, this pillow is soft enough to really dig into and prevents snoring.

Pros

• Massaging nodes pocket
• Washable pillowcase

Cons

• Protective inner cover not removable
• Nodes do not have mechanical movement

Verify the warranty policy before you purchase this side pillow item. It is not clear on the site.

2. Dmi 

Be able to sleep on your side without friction. With its contoured support, this may be the best pillow for neck pain side sleepers.

Key Features

• Polyester filling
• 30 x 20 x 6 inches
• Ergonomic ear pocket design

With numerous reasons that sleep can be troubling (insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome), the ergonomic design helps to calm friction and support your body. In this U-shaped design, this pillow (with hypoallergenic polyester fiber) also helps to alleviate you from allergens and dust mites that may be creeping around the room.

Pros

• Hypoallergenic removable washable cover
• Cooling, cotton blend

Cons

• May not be ideal for people with larger ears
• Not the right pillow for meditation; external headphones may rub against pillow

Verify the warranty policy before you purchase this pillow. It is not clear on the site.

3. PureComfort

One of the most common causes of temporomandibular (TMJ) is grinding your teeth while you’re asleep. This side pillow is intended to help you avoid TMJ risks, as well as wrinkles.

Key Features

• CertiPUR-US memory foam with soft bamboo cover
• 17.7 x 12.4 x 6 inches
• Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant soft bamboo cover

It’s difficult to narrow down what exactly is in your pillow if you don’t check the label line-by-line. This particular pillow is made without flame retardants, formaldehyde, ozone depleters and other toxins. The ear cutouts are designed to eliminate ear pain at night.

Pros

• Tested for performance, durability and content
• Height inserts to adjust per body

Cons

• A few reviewers reported ear hole tears
• May find yourself moving around to fit inside of ear holes if you are a sleeper who moves around

This side sleeping pillow is covered by a five-year warranty. You also have a 100-day, no-questions-asked refund policy.

4. Milemont Shredded

The CertiPUR-US material from this memory foam pillow is not only pleasant on your neck, head and shoulders. It’s also a more affordable, eco-friendly option.

Key Features

• Premium cross-cut memory foam
• 29 x 17 inches
• 49 percent polyester and 51 percent polyethylene

This side pillow is firm enough to hug and support your joints. But you may have to place it in a dry, cool area away from sunlight to get rid of the initial smell. The good news is that it’s not harmful.

Pros

• Made from breathable materials to keep cool and/or dry
• Washable removable cover

Cons

• May have an initial “fresh foam” odor
• Inner foam not washable

This memory foam pillow is covered by a 10-year warranty and an addition 30-day refund policy. The latter coverage does not require an answer to get a full refund.

5. UTTU Sandwich Pillow

Whether you prefer side, back or stomach positions while sleeping, this high-density foam pillow conforms to your body dynamically. It’s best relieving pressure and improving spine alignment.

Key Features

• 60 percent polyester and 40 percent bamboo made cover
• Orthopedic contour shape
• 3.6 × 14 × 4.7 inches

The multi-layered bamboo fabric with the mesh cover on both sides has better ventilation and moisture, keeping you both cool and warm as needed. The pillow is certified by International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX for its durability, impressive performance and content. There is no formaldehyde, mercury, lead or heavy metals.

Pros

• Adjustable loft: 4.7 inches (high contour) and 3.9 inches (low contour)
• Adjustable memory foam pillow

Cons

• May have a natural non-toxic foam odor
• Several reviewers state that the pillow has no support

This pillow is covered by a 96-night, 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and a five-year warranty for quality-related issues.

6. Sleep Artisan Luxury

To make sure your side sleeper pillow is sufficient, it’s purposely overstuffed so you can take out the filling (unzip it) or enjoy it as is. For some side sleepers, the original stuffing is ideal. For others, it’s uncomfortable. Stuff and remove as needed.

Key Features

• Proprietary blend of natural latex and poly silk fiber fill
• Cross cut Talalay Latex is Oeko Tex 100 certified, inherently hypoallergenic
• Bed pillow and storage bag

This sleeper pillow (28 x 17 x 6 inches) is meant to provide comfort while avoiding toxins such as harmful petroleum chemical off gassing, which can be found in less quality pillows. The cross cut Talalay Latex is Okeo Tex 100 certified and inherently hypoallergenic. Luckily it’s also inhospitable to bed bugs, dust mites and microorganisms. If allergies hit you hard in the spring and summer months, these pillows alleviate symptoms like congestion, sneezing, itching and more.

Pros

• Ergonomic (curved) design for neck, shoulder and head support
• Inherently hypoallergenic

Cons

• Several users had neck pains after sleeping on this pillow (may need to remove fill beforehand)
• One user referred to the pillow material as “pebbly”

Verify the warranty policy before you purchase this side pillow. It is not clear on the site.

7. MARNUR Cervical Pillow 

Whether your ideal sleeping support focuses on your neck, head or shoulders, this is the pillow for you. This pillow works for back sleeping, side sleeping and/or stomach sleeping.

Key Features

• 25.5 x 14.5 x 5.5 inches
• 60 percent polyester and 40 percent bamboo
• Armrest

Skin friendly and breathable, this contour pillow has a center cavity to help cradle your head for optimal support. This slow-bound memory foam also keeps its original shape unlike standard pillows that usually get beat up over time (and a few bends). The high and low ends meet different sleeping needs as well.

Pros

• Ergonomic shape conforms to neck curve all day long
• Machine washable

Cons

• There may be a transition period to get used to the memory foam pillow
• Washing the pillow core will affect elasticity

Verify the warranty policy before you purchase this cervical pillow. It is not clear on the site.

8. PureComfort 

Labeled as the “Internet’s most advanced pillow,” this pillow aligns your neck to avoid waking up with discomfort and discomfort.

Key Features

• 16.9 x 8 x 7.7 inches
• CertiPUR-US premium memory foam fill
• Interlock fabric (smooth surface, stuffed in inner case)

With a curved gusset design, this pillow is meant to hug your body. However, as with any other kind of memory foam, keep the pillow away from liquids (water, juice, sweat) to prevent dirt and stains.

Pros

• Adjustable loft
• Removable, washable stay-cool cover

Cons

• Described as soft as a pillow by one reviewer so not ideal for firm pillow preferences
• A few reviewers had neck pains after using this pillow

This side sleep pillow is covered by a five-year warranty and a 100-night trial. You will be entitled to a refund with no questions asked in the first 100 days.

9. Cervical Contour Pillow

Whether you have chronic cervical vertebra issue, you’re elderly, you’re an office worker with bad posture or you just want to find a more comfortable way to sleep, this contour pillow may be what you need.

Key Features

• Made of CertiPUR-US foam
• Medium hardness: 60 density high-quality memory foam
• 24.4 x 13 x 4.7 inches

With slow rebound memory foam and a protective inner cover, this breathable pillowcase helps guard against pain and reduce snoring. It even has an armrest to reduce pressure on wrists and arms.

Pros

• Removable bamboo pillowcase
• Machine washable

Cons

• Warm soapy water is recommended over a traditional electric washer
• Sun exposure and water can damage the foam

If this side pillow is not for you, then you have 30 days to decide whether you wanted a refund or replacement.

10. ZBRANDS Contour Memory Foam

This high-density memory foam pillow has both high and low contour for back and side sleepers. It’s also designed to alleviate neck pain or discomfort by firmly supporting your head while you sleep.

Key Features

• Cervical orthopedic sleeping pillow
• 24.4 x 13.4 x 3.5 inches
• Contour design to relieve neck and shoulder pain

Created with a rare butterfly-wing design to provide fast, effective relief no matter what your sleep position is, the honeycomb pattern weaves together for a calming pattern of blue. While you should not wash the memory foam on its own, you can wash the pillow (without the inner core) at 104 degrees and tumble dried on a low temperature.

Pros

• More firm and supportive than the average pillow
• Breathable design to keep your body cool and dry

Cons

• Remaining production odors may linger the first few days
• Sensitive ears supposedly won’t experience discomfort but the foam may be stiff

This memory foam pillow is covered by a 90-day warranty, with no questions asked.

11. MKYUHP

While a side pillow clearly comes in handy for your bed, what happens when you need it while traveling? Pillows like these that art compact enough to take with you on planes and hotel rooms answer that problem.

Key Features

• U-shape contour pillow (for pain relief)
• 100 percent polyester silk
• 20.8 x 15.7 x 4.7 inches

With a high-quality zipper and silk floss, this U-shape contour pillow naturally molds to your neck and head. The silk cover is soft enough to snuggle into and prevents snoring. For humid, summer days, you will especially appreciate the cooling effect of this contour sleeper pillow.

Pros

• Cool silk pillowcase
• Portable size

Cons

• May have to readjust to fit into the ear hole
• One reviewer didn’t like the silk cover so she chose an alternative (matter of opinion, unclear on why she didn’t like it)

This sleeper pillow is covered by a 30-day fast refund service, and it also comes with a one-year warranty.

12. COMFYT

Tested for harmful substances, this breathable pillow can be adjusted for your height. However, height adjustable pillows may need to be purchased individually per person to avoid having to repeatedly fine-tune your sleeping body each time.

Key Features

• Memory foam
• 18 x 13.2 x 5.1 inches
• Massage design to release neck and shoulder pressure

The weight and warmth of your body makes the foam form around your head, neck and shoulders as needed. So whether these areas need to feel lighter or heavier, the foam shifts as needed. With the soft texture of cashmere or silk, bamboo is soft enough to fall comfortably into and zone out. And if you suffer from allergies, this may be just the pillow you need to distract yourself from puffy eyes and sneezing.

Pros

• Ultra soft bamboo pillowcase
• Height adjustable

Cons

• One reviewer reported her neck felt too high even after getting rid of stiff shoulder problems
• Mixed opinions about whether the pillow has cooling relief

Verify the warranty policy before you purchase this breathable pillow. It is not clear on the site.

13. LUCID Shredded Memory Foam

If you’re someone who loves to cuddle, or need full body support while sleeping, this pillow has you covered from head to toe. (Of course this depends on your height.) Even if you’re not a side sleeper, if you’re someone who tends to bury a pillow between your legs, this could end up being much more comfortable.

Key Features

• Ultra soft rayon from bamboo
• 20 x 54 inches
• Shredded memory foam

The rayon from the bamboo cover is soft, breathable and complementary to the airy shredded memory foam fill. Allergen-free and breathable, it provides all the comfort from traditional pillows with more successful sleeping habits. Pregnant women, side sleepers and back pain sufferers will find this pillow as handy and all set to snuggle up to.

Pros

• Ideal for pregnancy
• Moldable and hypoallergenic

Cons

• May be a bit stiff or hard (put in dryer for 20 minutes to decompress)
• Substantial fluffing needed for comfort

This side pillow is covered by a five-year warranty.

14. Meileju Soft Memory Foam

This speciality waist pillow is designed to help your body maintain its natural shape by providing additional support to the thoracic and lumbar curves in the back and stomach sleeping positions. It’s also useful to maintain your spine level in the side sleeping position.

Key Features

• 11.8 x 23.6 x 1.96 inches
• Outer velour cover
• High-grade 100 percent soft memory foam

The inner mesh liner in this pillow increases comfort and breathability. The medical grade memory foam offers a comfortable balance of support and restores back posture while reducing back pain. Easily removed with a quality zipper, this durable cover can easily be cleaned. Perfect for pregnancy, it supports your stomach and side. Before maternity leave, this may also be the ideal pillow for back support in an office chair, too.

Pros

• Machine washable (velveteen cover)
• Ergonomic design to alleviate muscle fatigue

Cons

• Memory foam odor may take a few days to disappear
• One user described the pillow as “too low”

If this lumbar pillow is not ideal for you, your purchase is covered for a refund in 30 days. It’s also backed by a one-year warranty.

15. Leg Pillow 

Whether you need to use the side pillow to avoid your knees rubbing together or additional pain, as well as sciatica and back pain, this is a versatile pillow for side sleepers. It also works for back sleepers who need to circulate their legs.

Key Features

• Ergonomic contoured design to support legs
• Invisible zipper
• Outer cover (breathable and soft)

The leg strap helps the pillow to stay in place. Whether you want to use the side sleeper pillow for neck and head support or to avoid knee and leg tension, this pillow gives you the opportunity to help guard against injuries. And according to the ad, it’s as “soft as a cat.”

Pros

• Helps to relieve back and leg muscles
• Machine washable

Cons

• The reviewer described the pillow as “very awkward and uncomfortable”
• May still need a head pillow (sold separately)

Verify the warranty policy before you purchase this side pillow. It is not clear on the site.

Key Factors

Maintenance. As you can see from most of the pillows above, memory foam is a common material used in side sleeper pillows. Most have a zipper to remove the inner filler before any kind of cleaning. Pay special attention to the cleaning instructions needed for each pillow to avoid damage. Some pillows require tumble drying on low. Others require air drying. If cleaning instructions are not included, contact the seller or look up the official website online. (At least if you end up cleaning the pillow incorrectly, you’ll have some kind of grounds to stand on to prove that you did try to follow the instructions.) Do not try to wash it just to get rid of the initial “new” smell though.

Keep in mind that initially, the memory foam may smell a little strange. This smell will go away in time. Air it out immediately before you decide to sleep on the pillow so you’re not ingesting the smell for lengthier periods of time. Once you get the smell out, use the pillow immediately. You will need to know whether this pillow works for you, specifically before the warranty/refund policy expires. If the pillow is not properly cleaned as needed, this may ruin chances to get a refund or replacement.

Hair and face care. For some sleepers, having a certain kind of pillow case is important. Some of the cases are hypoallergenic and help you avoid seasonal allergy attacks. Others don’t. But there are other reasons to be especially concerned about the side sleeper pillow. Some come on their own and you sleep on them as is. Make sure that your facial skin is not too sensitive to do so.

Also, if you have the kind of hair type that requires a silk or satin cover to avoid breakage, make sure this is either included in your side sleeper pillow or buy one separately. Depending on what oils are used in your hair (ex. olive oil), excess moisture may end up being an issue for your pillow. Be careful to pay attention to what oils or hair products may damage the pillow’s fiber texture and outside material versus those that don’t.

Because some pillows have ear pockets, there are certain side pillows that are clearly meant for you to put your entire face in. If you tend to break out or cannot handle certain cotton blends or bamboo fiber materials, factor this issue in before purchasing the product. What you don’t want is a pillow that’s great for your neck and shoulders but terrible on your face. With such a wide variety of pillows, you should be able to find a side shoulder sleeper pillow that works best for your entire body.

Pregnancy care. As with any other maternity products, make sure to run a pillow such as this by your doctor before use. While some side sleeper pillows are clearly recommended for people who cannot sleep on their stomachs, there are other side pillows that may not be as beneficial for pregnant women. Let your doctor be the final judge of this.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, The National Sleep Foundation confirms that poor posture while you sleep can lead to a host of issues: back pain, fatigue, headaches, heartburn, impaired circulation, muscle cramps, neck pain, premature wrinkles, stomach troubles and/or sleep apnea. Whether you flip around while you sleep and need the best pillow for side and back sleepers or the best down alternative pillows, it’s one of the easiest resolutions to a bigger problem.

If you really just want to sleep and are uncomfortable, it’s time to replace your bedding, your mattress and/or your pillows. There are both expensive and economic alternatives to get you to the best sleep you can. But even with a perfect bedroom, if you still have issues getting to sleep, it may be time to seek a medical professional. Make sure to notify them of any changes in your side sleeping pillow or a change in work/leisure schedules. And hopefully the results can result in better sleep results.